Reading the Bible is an important part of how we can grow in our faith, but we know many people question why the Bible is not relevant for today. With its old language and confusing references, it can feel irrelevant or disconnected. But these Scripture meditations are meant to help us bridge that disconnect and encounter reasons why the Bible is relevant.

 

God of the Promised Land

Life is full of terrifying things. Sickness. Accidents. Disasters. Insects in Australia.

Sometimes, it’s tempting to look around and wonder, “Where’s God in this?” or “How does he expect me to trust him 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦?”

While this is a fair question, especially in times of difficulty, we can be encouraged by God’s history of faithfulness.

In spite of trials and terrors, the Lord has stayed with his people. He strengthens us, fights for us, and holds us close. He promises to never leave and never forsake us, and he’s true to his promises (Deuteronomy 31:6–8, Hebrews 10:23).

So, when we’re facing the seemingly impossible, remember that we aren’t the first people who’ve found themselves in this place. And, while his pathway often looks different than we might expect, he will deliver us into his promises.

Numbers 13:27-38, 30-31

27 They gave Moses this account: “We went into the land to which you sent us, and it does flow with milk and honey! Here is its fruit. 28 But the people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large…”

30 Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.”

31 But the men who had gone up with him said, “We can’t attack those people; they are stronger than we are.”

Observations from the Text

• God is true to his promises (v. 27)
• Fear and doubt can prevent us from pursuing his gifts (v. 28,31)
• God is for us and his promises are worth having (v. 30)

Prayers of Response

Lord of the Promised Land, I know when you say __________, you are trustworthy.

Thank you, God of Good Gifts, for making your promises worth having.

Prayer Requests

Defeater of giants, right now __________ feels unachievable. Please show me where you’re at work.

Jesus, be with __________ and the fear they’re experiencing right now. Hold them close to your strong and gentle presence.

Prayers of Readiness

Promise-Keeper, help me live into the assurances you have for me.

God, as I deal with ________, I trust you that you are with me.

 

Scripture meditations are one way to start reading the Bible more. They’re here to help us connect with God in the ordinary, extraordinary, everyday moments of life—visit this page for more!

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™